Shut-off device

ABSTRACT

An example shut-off device includes a valve body to surround a section of a pipe and form a chamber about the section of the pipe. The example shut-off device also includes a first flange bearing on a first side of the chamber. The first flange bearing in a closed position forming a first seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a second flange bearing on a second side of the chamber. the second flange bearing in a closed position forming a second seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a cutting blade in the chamber. The cutting blade tightens against the pipe to cut through the pipe and at least partially seals an opening in the cut pipe. The cutting blade is configured to operate as a gate valve.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-ln-Part (GIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/143,872 filed May 2, 2016 for “Shut-Off Device,” which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/157,170 filed May 5, 2015 for “Universal Post-Failure Shut-off Rescue Device,” hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Pipes are commonly used in just about every home and commercial and government buildings to carry water. Pipes and other conduits are also used in many industries to carry other liquids and gases such as hydraulic lines in factories and in heavy equipment. Millions of miles of pipes and conduits are part of our aging infrastructure. Large pipelines carry oil over huge distances. Pipes and other conduits may become damaged or break due to fatigue, corrosion, exposure to elements and temperature differentials, as well as accidental or negligent damage (e.g. hitting or inadvertently cutting into or through the pipe), or due to any number of other circumstances, even intentional sabotage. When pipes break, the resulting damage, physical, environmental and often medical, from the water or other substances carried by the conduit, can be extensive.

Many products on the market today focus on preventing breakage or leaks from occurring. As none of these are fail-proof however, with many safety devices themselves suffering from fatigue and other factors diminishing their performance, breakages and leaks happen all the time. Sometimes the damages go into catastrophic proportions, depending on the size and scope of the leak, type of substance, infrastructure and distances involved, and how long it takes to shut off the source or otherwise stop the leak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example shut-off device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example shut-off device.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example shut-off device.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an example shut-off device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an example shut-off device.

FIGS. 6A-6C are side views illustrating operation of an example shut-off device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another example sleeve housing for a shut-off device.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate example shut-off device, that may be used with the buckle from FIG. 7 or other similar buckle.

FIG. 9 is an exploded component view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a close up view of the blade holding assembly for the shut-off device of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a closeup view of another blade holding assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A shut-off device is disclosed. An example shut-off device includes an upper valve body, and a lower valve body. The lower valve body connects to the upper valve body to surround a section of a pipe to form a chamber. A cutting blade in the chamber is tightening against the pipe to cut through the pipe, and seal or at least partially seal the opening in the cut pipe. Following a repair to the pipe, the cutting blade may be operated as a gate valve, opening to permit fluid flow through the pipe, and closing to at least partially restrict or fully stop fluid flow through the pipe.

In an example, the shut-off device may be implemented as a universal post-failure shut-off rescue device. The shut-off device can be implemented to shut off a section of pipe, e.g., so that a repair can be made. The shut-off device may be operated to stop leakage and/or other spills from a conduit (also referred to herein as a “pipe”) transporting a liquid or gas. The device may be operated even after all other shut-off systems (e.g., valves) have failed.

In an example, the shut-off device is assembled onto the pipe at a desired location, e.g., upstream from the damage or point of failure and then operated to cut through or sever the pipe while simultaneously closing the pipe to restrict or altogether stop flow out of the pipe. In some cases another device may be assembled onto the pipe downstream to prevent backflow.

Following repair, the shut-off device can be operated to restore normal flow in the pipe. In an example, the shut-off device can remain in place after the pipe has been repaired, and operated as a gate valve, e.g., to allow and to stop fluid flow within the pipe.

The shut-off device may be implemented to slow or even entirely stops leaks (including small leaks, spills, and even entire blowouts). The shut-off device can be implemented with any of a wide variety of different types and/or sizes of pipe, including but not limited to, hoses, water lines, gas lines, oil pipes and pipelines, above ground, subsurface, and/or in submarine environments.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but are not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.” The term “pipe” is not limited in scope. That is, the shut-off device described herein may be used with any type or size pipe or other conduit.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example shut-off device 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the example shut-off device 10 shown in FIG. 1. It is noted that components shown in FIG. 2 are illustrated in an exploded view to better call out individual components. However, these components are not necessarily detachable. That is, multiple of the components may be formed as a single unit, such as various components of the valve housing (e.g., the upper valve body 14 and various components of the lower valve body 16). Assembly of the device will be well understood by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

The example shut-off device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a valve body 12 having an upper valve body 14, and a lower valve body 16. The lower upper body 14 and the lower valve body 16 can be assembled together around a section of a pipe 1 and form a chamber 18 (visible in FIG. 2) within the valve body 12.

A cutting blade 20 is provided in the chamber 18. In an example, the size of the cutting blade 20 is larger than twice the diameter of the pipe 1. Such a configuration enables the cutting blade 20 to perform both a cutting function and a blocking or sealing function.

In an example, the chamber 18 is sized to retain the cutting blade 20 and permit movement therein, without being over-sized. This is because fluid may flow into the chamber 18 and it is desired to let as little fluid into the chamber 18 as possible.

In another example, the chamber 18 is sized to accommodate the cutting blade 20. For example, the chamber 18 may be enlarged to accommodate other structure, such as an internal block (not shown) and/or installation of driving assembly (e.g., gears, not shown) for the cutting blade 20. The size of chamber 18 may be configured based on various drive options for the cutting blade, such as but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and/or pneumatic drive assemblies (e.g., gears, motors, pistons, etc.).

In an example, the cutting blade 20 may be operated by handle 22. Turning the handle 22 rotates the threaded lead screw 24 through threaded block or nut 26. The threaded block 26 serves to brace the threaded lead screw 24 and cause the cutting blade 20 move up or down within the chamber 18.

In an example, the cutting blade 20 may be tightened with sufficient downward pressure so as to cut through the pipe 1. In another example, the cutting blade 20 may be tightened to provide pressure against the outer perimeter of the pipe 1, and then the shut-off device 10 may be rotated about the pipe while continuing to apply pressure to the blade (e.g., by rotating handle 22) to cut through the pipe 1.

Cutting through the pipe 1 at least partially seals the open end in the pipe 1 that was formed by cutting the pipe 1. In an example, the cutting blade 20 seals against the open end of the pipe 1 to slow or stop fluid flow. In another example, fluid from the pipe 1 may leak or flow into the chamber 18 and is sealed within the chamber 18. As such, the shut-off device 10 slows or altogether stops fluid flow from the opening in the pipe 1.

In an example, the shut-off device 10 includes a first valve clamp 28 a to secure the upper valve body 14 to the lower valve body 16. A second valve clamp 28 b secures the opposite side of the shut-off device 10.

A first flange bearing 30 a may be provided as a seal between the first valve clamp 28 a and the pipe 1. A second flange bearing 30 b seals the second valve clamp 28 b and the pipe 1 on the opposite side. The first and second flange bearings 28 a and 28 b form a sleeve housing. The first and second flange bearings 28 a and 28 b may have an upper portion and a lower portion so that the flange bearings can be assembled onto the pipe 1. Another example sleeve housing is shown in FIG. 7.

The example first flange bearings 28 a and 28 b may include a seat 32 a and 32 b, respectively. The seat 32 a and 32 b may be a rubber gasket, or other pliable material provided on the surface that is in contact with the pipe 1, or therebetween. The seat 32 a and 32 b provides a seal against the pipe 1, and may also aid in retaining the shut-off device 10 in position on the pipe 1, e.g., during a cutting operation and/or after the pipe 1 is cut and pressure builds up due to the fluid being released into the chamber 18. As such, the seat 32 a and 32 b serves as a seal and/or as a pressure side retainer ring to prevent the section of the pipe from sliding relative to the shut-off device 10.

Although not shown, other seals (e.g., gasket, washer, or O-ring) may also be provided. An example can be seen by the end-view of O-rings 40 a and 40 b seen in the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 6A-6C. These seals can be readily implemented with the shut-off device 10 by one having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein, in order to better seal the shut-off device 10 against leaks.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example shut-off device 10. FIG. 4 is a top view of an example shut-off device 10. The shut-off device 10 includes a cutting blade 20 installed in a housing. The housing may include separate portions which may be connected, e.g., by fastener (not shown) to form an integrated single unit. The “split” configuration of the housing enables the shut-off device 10 to be separated and assembled onto the pipe 1.

It is noted that the assembled components of the housing may be any size, shape, and/or other configuration. The specific configuration may be based on design consideration, such as but not limited to the size of the pipe (e.g., pipe diameter). In general, the assembled components on the pipe 1 should form a tight fit between the shut-off device 10 and the pipe 1.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein. Various other configurations of the shut-off device 10 are also contemplated, as will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

By way of illustration, the shut-off device 10 may include a cutting wheel. The blade is operable to cut through the pipe (e.g., by rotating the wheel or slicing straight through with the blade) sufficiently to cut through the entire pipe and thereby shut-off flow. In an example, the entire cutting wheel, including the housing, rotates around the pipe, cutting the pipe, thereby covering the entire opening of the pipe with the gate valve (or any valve or other mechanical device), and consequently shutting off the flow.

It is noted that the assembled device may be configured based at least in part on the diameter of the pipe, e.g., to provide a tight fit while still enabling the cutting wheel to rotate about the pipe 1.

By way of further illustration, the shut-off device 10 may be configured for low-pressure environments (e.g., fluid flow within the pipe of about 50-70 psi), such as is typical in household water pipes. An example configuration includes a larger chamber 18. That is, the chamber 18 is not as tight surrounding the blade 20 as it may be in a higher pressure environment. In an example, the chamber 18 may be configured large enough to receive an internal block (not shown), which can be forced against the pipe 1 during cutting. In this embodiment, a low flow (e.g., dripping) may be observed after severing the pipe. But this typically is not expected to impact the repair work on the pipe 1.

Regardless of the specific configuration of the shut-off device 10, it may be implemented to prevent leakage at a damaged portion of the pipe 1, as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a side view of an example shut-off device. In this example, flow is coming from a source (e.g., the city water pipes) as illustrated by arrow 3, and headed downstream (e.g., toward a sink faucet) as illustrated by arrow 4.

In an example, the shut-off device 10 can be assembled in close proximity, upstream from the damaged area 2 a of the pipe 1. For example, the shut-off device 10 may be assembled in close proximity when the pipe 1 is damaged but not leaking.

In another example, where the pipe is leaking from the damaged area, the shut-off device 10 can be assembled over the damaged portion 2 a of the pipe 1. That is, the first valve clamp 28 a and first flange bearing 30 a may cover a leak from the damaged portion 2 b to stop the leak in the short term, while the cutting blade 20 is operated. After the cutting blade 20 has cut through the pipe and is blocking flow 3 (e.g., serving as an emergency gate valve), the first valve clamp 28 a and first flange bearing 30 a may be removed from the shut-off device 10 and the damaged portion 2 b repaired.

Following stoppage (or slowing) of the leak, the sleeve housing beyond the “valve” that has been formed, may be opened independently to remove the damaged pipe so that a new pipe can be inserted and installed. This portion of the sleeve housing can then be closed again and the gate valve can be re-opened and re-closed as needed (e.g., as an emergency gate valve) to resume normal flow and to control volume and pressure of the flow in the repaired pipe. In an example, the gate valve cannot be removed and reused, thereby maintaining the integrity of the original installation.

In another example, where the pipe is not going to be repaired, the shut-off device 10 can be assembled directly over the damaged portion 2 c. In this example, the damaged portion 2 c of the pipe 1 remains in the body of the shut-off device 10. It may be self-sealing, internally sealed or by tightening a lever compression clamp.

In an example, the shut-off device 10 may be operated to shut flow even after all other shut-off systems (e.g., valves) have failed. In addition, the shut-off device 10 can remain in place and serve as a gate valve itself. That is, the cutting blade can be opened to permit fluid flow through the pipe 1, and closed to at least partially restrict or fully stop fluid flow through the pipe 1. These and other operations will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the illustration shown in FIGS. 6A-6C.

FIGS. 6A-6C are side views illustrating operation of an example shut-off device 10. In FIG. 6A, the upper and lower portions of the shut-off device 10 may be assembled around the pipe 1. In an example, the shut-off device 10 provides a stationary sleeve housing which can be wrapped around the pipe in a sealed manner. This may be achieved by either a hinged or clamp-like or other overlapping or bolted configuration, which is attached around the pipe below the failure point, to seal and retain the pipe adjacent the leak. For example, the shut-off device 10 may be bolted (or otherwise fastened) together to provide a sealing surface on the pipe sections. Seats 32 a and 32 b (FIG. 2) and/or retainer rings (not shown) may be provided to reduce or altogether eliminate the slide out tendency of pipe ends.

After assembling the shut-off device 10 at the desired location on the pipe 1, the cutting blade 20 may be operated to cut through the pipe 1 (e.g., either by rotation or uni-directional force through the pipe 1), and close off the opening that has been cut, as illustrated by arrow 50 a. The shut-off device 10 is configured to simultaneously stop a leak (e.g., by assembling over the leak) and serve as a sealed gate valve by shutting off the flow within the pipe and prevent further leaking from the pipe 1, as illustrated when the cutting blade 20 has fully cut through the pipe 1 and seated within portion 18′ of the chamber 18.

In an example, the housing sleeve on either side of the sealed gate valve is configured to be assembled independently, and can thus be removed to repair the pipe section after flow has been shut off by the cutting blade 20. That is, the shut-off device 10 fully depressurizes the damaged section of the pipe and can either seal the flow, or at least dampen flow to a minimal level that enables the valve clamp 28 a and/or 28 b and flange bearing 30 a and/or 30 b to be removed and the pipe repaired.

Following stoppage (or slowing) of the leak, the sleeve housing beyond the “valve” that has been formed, may be opened independently to remove the damaged pipe so that a new pipe can be inserted and installed. In an example, the valve clamp 28 a and/or 28 b and flange bearing 30 a and/or 30 b can then be closed again and the cutting blade 20 implemented as a gate valve. Of course, the pipe does not need to be repaired, and can remain either within the chamber 18 or sealed by the valve clamp 28 a and/or 28 b and flange bearing 30 a and/or 30 b.

The gate valve can be opened (e.g., in the direction of arrow 50 b in FIG. 6B) to resume normal flow and, partially or fully closed (e.g., in the direction of arrow 50 a in FIG. 6A) to control volume and pressure of the flow in the pipe 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6B (closed) and FIG. 6C (open). It is noted that the term “gate valve” is not limited to any particular type of valve, and other valves may also be implemented. In an example, the gate valve cannot be removed and reused, thereby maintaining the integrity of the original installation.

The operations shown and described herein are provided to illustrate example implementations. The operations are not limited to the ordering shown. Still other operations may also be implemented. By way of illustration, the device may be configured for use on large industrial size pipes (e.g., oil and gas pipelines). In an example, the device may be operated by robotics or as an attachment to other equipment (e.g., front loaders or large excavating machines).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another example sleeve housing 40 for a shut-off device. It is noted that the sleeve housing (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 or otherwise) may be implemented by itself. That is, the sleeve housing can be tightened around a damaged portion of a pipe to seal the pipe without anything further being implemented. In another example, the sleeve housing (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 or otherwise) can be implemented with the cut-off housing, which is employed ads described above. That is, the sleeve housing may be utilized to temporarily “patch” a leak until the cut-off housing can be installed and shut off the water supply.

In another example, the sleeve housing 40 may take the place of the valve clamp 28 a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve clamp 28 b, or both.

The sleeve housing 40 shown in FIG. 7 may be configured as a quick-release lever and/or buckle assembly. In an example, the sleeve housing includes a first buckle 41 a with a lever 42 a and hook 43 a, and and 41 b, and a second buckle 41 b with a lever 42 b and hook 43 b. When opened, these buckles 41 allow the sleeve housing 40 to be spread open along a seam 44, and either placed on or removed from a pipe 1. When closed, the buckles 41 latch the sleeve housing 40 in its closed position, in order to attach it to a pipe 1.

The sleeve housing 40 can be opened and closed along the seam 44 to provide a compression clamp. In an example, the sleeve housing includes a hardened outside (e.g., plastic or other material) and a pliable inside (e.g., rubber, foam, etc.). The sleeve housing shown in FIG. 7 may be used instead of the first and second flange bearings 28 a and 28 b to form a sleeve housing. The sleeve housing may be hinged on one side and clamped on the other end (e.g., about 180 degrees apart from the hinge), or clamped on both ends. Alternatively, the sleeve housing 40 may be made from a relatively pliable material such as spring steel that allows it to be opened and closed without the need for a hinge.

It is also noted that the clamp configuration shown in FIG. 7 may also be implemented for the valve housing (e.g., the upper valve body 14 and various components of the lower valve body 16 in FIG. 1). That is, the valve housing itself may be configured as a quick release lever/buckle compression clamp. The valve housing may be configured as a quick-release lever and/or buckle assembly, such that it can be opened and closed to provide a compression clamp.

In an example, the FIG. 7 compression assembly (i.e., implemented as the valve housing or the housing for the valve itself; or as a sleeve housing), has a hardened outside (e.g., plastic, metal, or other hard material) and a pliable inside (e.g. rubber, foam, etc.), and a somewhat flexible configuration. In an example, the compression assembly may be spread open just sufficiently to surround a pipe and then closed via the quick-release lever and/or buckle and/or any other suitable clamping mechanism. In another example, the compression assembly may be hinged on one side and clamped on the other end (e.g., about 180 degrees apart from the hinge), or clamped on both ends. In an example the housing may be a one-piece overlapping housing, in another example it may have the buckle and/or lever or other suitable compression closure recessed in a channel to accomplish a flush configuration.

In an example, the quick-release lever and/or buckle assembly 41 may serve to tighten (e.g., reduce the inner diameter of the sleeve housing) around the pipe as the lever is actuated. However, any suitable clamping mechanism may be implemented, and is not limited to the quick-release lever and buckle assembly shown in FIG. 7. For example, the bolts shown in previous drawings may also be utilized, wherein tightening the bolts tightens the housing around the pipe.

In another example, the sleeve housing 40 of FIG. 7 may be implemented by itself as a quick repair for broken pipes. This example is best implemented for low pressure flow pipes, such as drain pipes and common household pipes. It could also be employed as a shut-off device for small diameter pipes.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate example shut-off device. that may be used with the buckle from FIG. 7 or other like buckle. This example shows a corkscrew-type handle 22 to tighten the threaded lead screw 24 into the threaded block 26 and hold the the cutting blade 20 as it is turned around the pipe 1 to slowly cut a line around the pipe and/or directly through the pipe in “slice cut” mode. The blade is stabilized by rollers 46. Rollers 46 may be provided in a channel as shown, to operate as roller bearings when making contact with the flat side(s) of the blade. Rollers 46 may be provided on one or both sides of the blade. Also visible are the upper valve body 14, lower valve body 16, threaded block 16, flange bearings 30 a and 30 b, and sleeve housings 44 a and 44 b.

FIG. 9 is an exploded component view of FIG. 8. In this view, the pipe 1, blade encasement and roller bearings, and flange fittings 30 have been omitted for clarity, so that the cutting blade 20, handle 22, threaded lead screw 24, threaded block 26, and sleeve housings 44 a and 44 b may be seen more clearly.

FIG. 10 is a close up view of the blade holding assembly for the shut-off device of FIGS. 8 and 9. In this example, the rollers 46 are shown as these may support and straighten the blade 20 such that any wobbling is minimized.

FIG. 11 is a closeup view of another blade holding assembly. In this example, the rollers 46 which support and straighten the blade as described for FIG. 9 are provided with axles to retain the rollers 46 in a predetermined positioning on the blade.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A shut-off device, comprising: a valve body to seal against a section of a pipe and form a chamber about the section of the pipe; a first flange bearing on a first side of the chamber, the first flange bearing in a closed position forming a first seal between the pipe and the chamber; a second flange bearing on a second side of the chamber, the second flange bearing in a closed position forming a second seal between the pipe and the chamber, wherein each of the first flange bearing and the second flange bearing are openable separately and independently to allow insertion of new pipe sections while maintaining the valve body seal against the section of pipe; a cutting blade in the chamber, the cutting blade to tighten against the pipe, cut through the pipe, and at least partially seal an opening in the cut pipe, wherein the cutting blade is configured to operate as a gate valve having an open position permitting fluid flow through the pipe and a closed position one of restricting and fully stopping fluid flow through the cut pipe.
 2. The shut-off device of claim 1, wherein the first and second flange bearings form a sleeve housing.
 3. The shut-off device of claim 1, wherein the valve body has an upper valve body and a lower valve body.
 4. The shut-off device of claim 3, further comprising: a valve clamp to secure the upper valve body to the lower valve body.
 5. The shut-off device of claim 4, further comprising: a second valve clamp to secure the upper valve body to the lower valve body.
 6. The shut-off device of claim 3, wherein the lower valve body connects to the upper valve body to seal against the section of the pipe and form the chamber.
 7. The shut-off device of claim 1, wherein the first flange bearing has an upper portion and a lower portion.
 8. The shut-off device of claim 7, further comprising: a seat in the first flange bearing to engage against the pipe.
 9. The shut-off device of claim 1, wherein the second flange bearing has an upper portion and a lower portion.
 10. The shut-off device of claim 9, further comprising: a seat in the second flange bearing to engage against the pipe.
 11. The shut-off device of claim 1, further comprising: a lead screw to open and close the cutting blade. 